Minister of State for the Diaspora Neale Richmond: 'Now is exactly the time when our Taoiseach should go to the White House ... You don’t just go when times are easy.' Photograph Nick BradshawThe Taoiseach and up to 10 Ministers will visit the United States as part of the St Patrick’s Day celebrations, the Dáil has heard. Minister of State for the Diaspora Neale Richmond said the Government will announce a “St Patrick’s Day trade missions, representatives and also office holders” to travel globally. Labour foreign affairs spokesman Duncan Smith warned that if the Government chooses to accept the invitation to the White House, “it should be about delivering a message. “The way in which the current administration is acting in the United States is increasingly imperialistic, autocratic and fascist.

Source: The Irish Times January 22, 2026 08:20 UTC